Toy cash register



Jul 24, 1962 E HOMSON 3,045,902

TOY CASH REGISTER Filed Jan. 25, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 4/ INVENTOR.

July 24, 1962 J. E. THOMSON TOY CASH REGISTER Filed Jan. 25, 1960 6Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. James 15, 7%07716072 h MZ NFMQ July 24, 1962 J.E. THOMSON 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I I I I III ill, III/I I I INVENTOR.

ar/vryst July 24, 1962 J. E. THOMSON 3,045,902

TOY CASH REGISTER Filed Jan. 25, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Ey'kmas I 7Za777s07 July 24, 1962 .1. E. THOMSON 3,045,902

TOY CASH REGISTER Filed Jan. 25, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Q INVENTOR.

" J'Zwes .5. fi'az'rs ayz United States Patent Ofifice 3,045,902Patented July 24, 1962 3,945,902 TOY CASH REGISTER James E. Thomson,Jackson, Mich., assignor to Western Stamping Company, Jackson, Mich, acorporation of Michigan Filed Jan. 25, 1960, Ser. No. 4,464 10 Claims.(Cl. 23512) This invention relates to toy cash registers, and moreparticularly to devices of this nature which are adapted to indicateamounts of money in response to button depression, and which have aslidable cash drawer simulating in its function a real cash register ofthe type used in commercial establishments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improvedconstruction for such toy cash registers which enables the register tobe fabricated in an extremly economical manner, while stillincorporating the display indicia, automatic drawer opening, bellringing, push button, indica return and other functions of a standardcash register.

It is another object to provide an improved toy cash register of thisnature which is especially adapted to be fabricated of stamped sheetmetal parts, and in which the various components of the toy are combinedand cooperate in an extremely efficient and economical manner.

It is a further object to provide an improved toy cash register havingthe above characteristics, which may be easily fabricated in the form ofsub-assemblies which are then assembled, and in which the necessity ofmatching the individual push buttons with specified display indicia iseliminated.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a toy cash register incorporating theprinciples of this invention, the drawer being shown in its closedposition;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the register with the housingremoved showing the relative positions of the indicator keys and openingbutton;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view in cross section taken at thecenterline of the register and showing the drawer detent and guide bar,as well as the relationship between the indicator keys and theindicators;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the register with the housingremoved;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view in cross section taken along the line 55 ofFIGURE 3, and with portions removed, showing the drawer release linkageas well as components for returning the indicator buttons and indicatorsupon closing of the drawer;

FIGURE 6 is a rear elevational view of the register with the caseremoved, showing portions of the bell ringing mechanism;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the base and main frame with attachedparts;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line 88of FIGURE 3, and showing the manner in which the figure keys aresupported and guided by the marker supporting frame;

FIGURE 9 is a rear View of the indicator sub-assembly taken along theline 99 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 10 is a partial perspective view of the lower indicator framemember shown in its unassembled condition; and

FIGURE 11 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing the action of the drawerin returning the indicator buttons and indicators to their retractedpositions at the drawer is closed.

In general terms, the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprisesa toy cash register fabricated primarily of stamped sheet metal parts,and including a rectangular base and a generally H-shaped main frameextending upwardly therefrom. An indicator sub-assembly extends betweenthe upper legs of the main frame and pivotally supports a plurality ofindicator tabs having indicia denoting different monetary denominations.Each of these tabs is rockable between a retracted position and anupstanding or display position, and the indicator supporting framecarries slidably mounted indicator keys for moving the tabs to theirexposed position. Each key has a shoulder portion which, when the key isdepressed, will swing its associated tab upwardly, the key then servingto hold the tab in its indicating position while the tab holds the keyin its depressed position.

A cash drawer is slidably mounted on the base between the lower legs ofthe main frame, and a latch bar is pivoted immediately below thecross-member of the frame and serves to hold the cash drawer in a closedposition, the drawer carrying a helical coil spring engageable withupstruck tabs on the base to urge the drawer to its open position. Theindicator frame carries a drawer release key connected to a shoulderportion on the detent lever by a rockable link, so that depression ofthe drawer release key will retract the detent lever from engagementwith the drawer to permit the drawer to move outwardly. A bell andstriker are mounted on the base and are actuatable by a tab on thedrawer as it moves outwardly to ring the bell, and a spring mounted onthe main frame urges the detent lever downwardly toward its detentposition in readiness for holding the drawer when it is closed.

A return plate is pivotally mounted between the upper legs of the mainframe below the indicator frame, and is swingable upwardly from aretracted position into engagement with the lower ends of the indicatorkeys. This return plate is actuatable by a return lever pivoted betweenone side of the main frame and an upwardly extending tab on the detentlever, the return lever being so positioned as to be operativelyengageable by the drawer when it is closed. As the indicator keys areraised by the return plate, their shouldered portions will be retractedfrom the indicator tabs, permitting these tabs to drop to theirretracted positions by gravity. During opening and closing movement ofthe drawer, the detent lever will also serve as a guide to maintainaccurate drawer movement.

A one-piece plastic housing is provided for the entire unit, thishousing being securable to the base by a plurality of bosses projectablethrough apertures in the base and which may be spread by heat andpressure. The upper portion of the housing has windows for viewing theindicator tabs when in their upper position. Novel means are alsoprovided for marking the indicator keys and drawer release key, thesebeing preferably fabricated of plastic material. This novel means andmethod includes the use of a number marking transfer sheet applicable tothe keys only after they have been assembled, so that it is notnecessary to match individual indicator keys with the indicator tabsduring assembly.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the toy cash register isgenerally indicated at 11 and comprises a base 12 seen in FIGURE 7 whichis preferably a stamped sheet metal part and is of generally rectangularshape, having a plurality of apertures 13 along its edges and a lowupstanding flange 14 along its front edge, the ends of this flange beingspaced inwardly from side edges 15 and 16 of the base. A tab 17 isstruck upwardly from the base a short distance rearwardly of frontflange 14, this tab being somewhat concave rearwardly and serving as alimit stop for the opening movement of the drawer, as will be laterseen. A pair of tabs 18 and 19 are struck upwardly from base 12 somewhatrearwardly of stop 17, these tabs being bent upwardly and rearwardlyfrom the a base and being symmetrically disposed with respect to thelongitudinal centerline of the cash register. Tabs 18 and 19 serve totension a spring carried on the underside of the drawer, so as to urgethe drawer toward its open position. A hell 2]. is secured by a centerrivet 22 to a rear portion of the base 12 somewhat to the right of theregister centerline when viewed from the front. This bell is engageableby a striker 23 pivotally secured to the base by a rivet 24 somewhat tothe left of the centerline, this striker being held in a centeredposition by a helical coil spring 25 secured at one end 26 to thecentrally pivoted striker and at the other end 27 to an upstruck tab 28on the base, as seen in FIGURE 11. The base is also provided with a pairof small viewing apertures 29 and 31 visible in FIGURE 7.

The main frame is generally indicated at 32 and cornprises a pair oflower legs 33 and 34, a pair of upper legs 35 and 36, a forward webmember 37 extending between the forward portions of legs 33 and 34 attheir upper ends, a rear web member 38 extending between the rear upperportions of legs 33 and 34, and a central web 39 extending between theintermediate portions of webs 37 and 38. Frame 32, which may likewise befabricated of a single stamped sheet metal part, thus has a generallyH-shaped appearance when viewed from the front.

The lower edges of legs 33 and 34, which are somewhat wider than theyare high, are provided with a plurality of tabs 41 extendable throughslots 42 in base 12 to secure the frame to the base. Strengtheningflanges 43' and 44 are formed along the front edge of frame portion 37and the rear edge of frame portion 38 respectively.

The upper edges of legs 35 and 36 are provided with a first inclination45 and a second inclination 46, edges 45 being inclined toward theforward portion of the cash register. Tabs 47 are formed on edges 45 forsecuring an indicator support frame generally indicated at 48. Thisframe, which may be pre-assernbled together with a set of indicatorsgenerally indicated at 49, comprises a lower frame member 51 and anupper frame member 52, these members being of elongated shape as seen inFIG- URE 8. Lower frame member 51 is of somewhat channelshaped crosssection, having an upwardly extending forward flange 53 as seen inFIGURES 3 and 11, and a rear flange 54-, best seen in FIGURE 10. Framemember 51 is also provided with means for pivotally supportingindicators 49 in two rows. The rear row of pivotal supports comprises aplurality of spaced rectangular notches 55 in the upper edge of flange54. Alternately disposed between these pivotal supports are those of thefront row, comprising upstruck tabs 56 having rectangular notches 57 intheir upper edges, these notches being somewhat shallower than notches55. Clearance apertures 58- are formed in member 51 and flange 54thereof behind tabs 56, for the indicators supported by these tabs.

Indicators 49 are of generally similar construction, but are of twodifferent shapes depending upon the row in which they are situated. Eachindicator 59in the rear row comprises a flat metallic tab capable ofcarrying imprinted indicia on its forwardly facing surface and a lowerpivot portion 61 bent angularly from the main portion of the indicatorand having a downwardly and rearwardly curved end 62. The side edges ofpivot portion 61 are provided with notches 63 adapted to receive theside edges of a notch 55 as seen in FIGURE 8, so that indicator 59 willbe pivotally supported.

Indicators 64 in the forward row are alternately placed betweenindicators 59 and carry similar imprinted indicia. These indicia, forexample, may be of various monetary denominations such as 191', 50 or$1, and one of the indicators may carry the legend No Sale. Indicators64 have pivot portions 65 which are somewhat longer than pivot portions61 of indicators 59, but which have similar curved ends 66. The sideedges of pivot portions 65 are provided with notches 67 seen in FIGURE8, these notches receiving the sides of notches 57 in tabs 56. Whenmoving from its retracted position as shown in FIGURE 11 to its displayposition as shown in FIGURE 3, each indicator 64 will move within anassociated clearance aperture 58.

Two rows of indicator keys 68 and 69 are provided for actuatingindicators 59 and 64, respectively. All keys 68 and 69 are of identicalconstruction as seen in FIG- URE l1, and are preferably fabricated of adecorative moldable plastic material. Each key has an oval buttonportion which may be hollow and has a flange 71 at its inner end. A flatactuating portion 72 extends from each button portion, the actuatingportion having a straight upper edge 73 and a straight lower edge 74. Ashoulder 75 is formed on each portion 72, and a relatively narrowextension 76 extends from shoulder '75, this extension having a roundedend.

Keys 68 and 69 are adapted to be slidably mounted in frame 48. For thispurpose, both lower and upper frame members 51 and 52 are provided withelongated guide apertures for the reception of fiat legs 72 andextensions 76. These apertures are indicated at 77 on member 51. Member52 has a pair of flanges 78 and 79 which fit over flanges 53 and 54,respectively, of frame member 51, so that tabs 81 formed at the cornerof the frame member 51 may be folded over frame member 52 to secure theframe members together. On the right hand side of frame 48 as seen inFIGURE 8, a drawer release key guide 82 is also secured to frame 48 bytabs 81 in overlying relation with frame member 52, the purpose of thisguide being described later. A plurality of elongated apertures 83 areprovided in frame member 52, these apertures being in registry withapertures 77 but being somewhat longer so that they can accommodate legs72., apertures 77 accommodating extensions 76. The disposition of theguide slots is such that keys 68 and 69 will have somewhat differentangular positions with respect to frame 48, to correspond to thecurvature of the housing as later described. The guide aperturepositions are also such as to retain keys 6S and 69 with their shoulders75 extending upwardly and rearwardly, so as to be engageable with framemember 51 when the keys are depressed as seen in FIGURE 3.

The curved portions 62 and 66 of indicators 59 and 64, respectively, areadapted to be engaged by shoulders 75 of the two rows of keys when intheir outer positions, as seen in FIGURE 11, so that when any key isdepressed it will rock its corresponding indicator counterclockwise tothe position shown in FIGURE 3. As this position is reached, the curvedportion of the indicator will be retracted away from shoulder 75 andwill be engaged by upper edge 73 of the key, thus holding the indicatorin its upper or display position. The weight of each indicator will tendto return it clockwise to its retracted position, but the force exertedby the indicator on the key will be resisted by the bottoms of apertures77 and 83. The indicator will thus stay in its display position whilethe key remains in its depressed position as seen in FIGURE 3.

Guide apertures 77 and 83 may be punched out of their respective framemembers 51 and 52 in such a manner as to provide a narrow wall aroundeach aperture to facilitate smooth movement of the keys. These wallsextend downwardly and rearwardly, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 11. Means arealso provided for maintaining a proper pivotal relationship forindicators 59 and 64. In the case of indicators 64, this is provided bya plurality of elongated depressions 84 in frame member 52 above eachnotch 57 which restricts the play of indicator 64- in its notch. In thecase of indicators 59, the downwardly and rearwardly extending walls ofguide apertures 83, as well as flange 7 9 on frame member 52, serve torestrict play.

The cash register is provided with a cash drawer generally indicated at85 which is preferably fabricated of stamped sheet metal parts andcomprises a front panel 86, side panels 87, and a bottom 38 which may beformed integrally with front panel 86 as seen in FIGURE 3 and has acurved forward portion 89, and an upwardly extending rear flange '91which acts as the rear panel of the drawer. The drawer may be dividedinto compartments for dilferent coin denominations by a transversepartition 92 and longitudinal partitions 93, visible in FIG- URE 5. Asseen in FIGURE 4, drawer 85 is adapted to slide between lower legs 33and 34 of frame 32, being somewhat narrower than the distance betweenthese legs.

Side panels 87 are preferably of inverted U-shaped cross section as seenin FIGURE 6, so as to present rounded upper edges, rthese panels beingjoined to front panel 86 by flanges 94 on the front panel, as seen inFIGURE 11, and being joined to rear panel 91 by tabs 95 formed on theinner portions 96 of side panels 87. The length of side panels 87 isslightly less than that of base 12, with bottom 88 of the drawer beingsomewhat shorter than side panels 87 and a substantial distance abovebase 12.

Means are provided for urging drawer 85 toward its open position, thismeans including a helical coil spring 97 extending between and securedto side panels 87 by apertures 98 in these panels, as seen in FIGURES 6and 11. The length of spring 97 is such that, if undefiected, it wouldextend straight across between panels 87. When the drawer is closed,however, the spring is engageable with the forwardly facing surfaces ofposts 18 and 19 extending upwardly from base 12, so that the drawer willbe urged toward its open position. The opening of drawer 85 will belimited by engagement of a down-struck tab 99 formed in drawer bottom 38with stop 17. When the drawer is in its fully opened position, spring 97will be withdrawn a short distance forwardly of posts 18 and 19. Inother Words, upon release of the drawer from its closed position, spring97 will drive it part way toward its fully opened position, and thedrawer will coast the rest of the way. Tab 99 is somewhat blade-shapedin a fore and aft direction, with a vertical forward edge 101 and aninclined rear edge 102 for purposes later described, this tab beinglocated at the rearward end of the drawer bottom.

The means for holding drawer 85 in its closed position includes alongitudinally extending latch bar 103 seen in FIGURE 3 which is ofelongated flat shape and may be formed as a stamped metal part. Theupper edge 104 of latch bar 103 carries a hook-shaped pivot extension105 at an intermediate portion thereof which extends through a pivotaperture 106 formed in the central portion of section 37 of frame 32.The lower edge 107' of latch bar 103 has a shoulder 108 notched into therear portion thereof, and this shoulder is engageable with rear panel 91of the drawer at the bottom of a notched portion 109 in the upper edgeof this panel. When in its latching position, as seen in FIGURE 3,shoulder 108 will restrain drawer 85' in its closed position. When latchbar 103 is swung counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG- URE 3,shoulder 108 will be withdrawn from rear panel 91 and the drawer willmove toward its open position. During this movement, latch bar 103 willact as a guide for maintaining the drawer in a central position andrestraining it against lateral movement. For this purpose, the lowerportion of latch bar 103 will be received by notch 109, and also by anotch 111 formed in transverse pantion 92. Drawer 85 will thus be guidedat two longitudinally spaced locations during its travel.

The means for urging latch bar 103 clockwise toward its latchingposition as seen in FIGURES 3 and 11 comprises a leaf spring 112'secured to frame section 38 on the left hand side thereof as viewed fromthe front by a strap 113 pressed out from the frame section andsurrounding an intermediate portion of leaf spring 112 (see FIGURE 7),as well as a tab 114- engaging one end of the spring. The other end ofspring 112 engages the rounded upper end of a projection 11.5 extendingupwardly from the upper edge 104 of latch bar 103 through a slot 116 inframe section 38 at its juncture with frame section 39.

The means for retracting latch bar 103 includes a drawer release key 117best seen in FIGURE 2, this key comprising a fiat bar of irregular shapehaving a curved intermediate portion 118 for clearance purposes. Abutton 119 is mounted on the upper end of key 117, this buttonpreferably matching keys 68 and 69 and bearing a legend such as Open.The upper portion of key 117 is disposed in an elongated guide aperture121 in guide member 82, as seen in FIGURE 8. The lower end of key 117 isapertured to receive a hooked end 122 of a release rod 123, best seen inFIGURE 7. This release rod is rotatably mounted and rests on the forwardportion of frame section 33, being retained for rotary movement by acurved tab 124 struck upwardly from frame section 33 adjacent key 117(FIGURE 2). The other end of rod 123 passes through a verticallyelongated aperture 125 in latch bar projection .115. The purpose ofaperture 125 is to prevent forward or rearward movement of rod 123, butthe rod has no operative connection with latch bar 103 at this point,the latch bar being utilized in a novel manner to retain the release rodin position and thus eliminating the necessity of another upstruck tabat this point. Aperture 125 is elongated to permit operative movement oflatch bar 103 without interfering with the functioning of release rod123. The lower end of key 117 is also provided with a finger 126 bentout of the plane of, but parallel to, the main portion of the key, asseen in FIGURES 2 and 6, this finger serving to restrain rod 123 againstlongitudinal movement.

The inner end 127 of rod 123 is also hook-shaped but extends forwardly,the outer end of hook portion 127 being disposed beneath a shoulder 128of an upward projection 129 on latch bar 103 between extensions 105 and115, as seen in FIGURE 3. Projection 129 extends through a slot 131 incentral section 39 of frame 32, a pair of guide tabs 132 being struckupwardly alongside slot 131 and maintaining the vertical positioning ofbar 103. Shoulder 128 extends rearwardly on projection 129, and is sodisposed that clockwise rotation of hook portion 127 of rod 123 from theposition shown in FIG- URE 3 will cause counterclockwise movement oflatch bar 103 to release the drawer. Clockwise rocking of rod 123, asseen in FIGURE 3, will of course be accomplished by depression of key117.

Means are also provided for returning indicator keys 6% and 69 to theirouter positions, and thus permitting indicators 59 and 64 to drop totheir retracted positions, upon closing of drawer 35 after it hasopened. This means includes a return plate actuating rod 133 pivoted atone end to a depressed pivot portion 134 on frame leg 35, as seen inFIGURE 7, and at an intermediate portion by an aperture 135' in latchbar projection 129. It should be observed that here again, there is nooperative connection between rod 133 and latch bar 103, but that thelatch bar serves to pivotally support rod 133 without the necessity of aseparate supporting tab for this purpose. As will be later seen, thefact that projection 129 has a slight vertical movement during operationwill not effect the function of rod 123.

The portion 136 of rod 133 between its two pivotal supporting points isof forwardly and downwardly extending U-shape, as seen in FIGURE 7,while the portion 137 of rod 133 on the opposite side of projection 129extends upwardly and rearwardly. When unrestrained, rod 133 will assumethe solid and dotted line position shown in FIGURE 3, due to its weightdistribution. When in this position, portion 136 of the rod will hangdown into the drawer compartment and will be disposed somewhat below theupper edge of rear panel 91. As drawer 85 moves toward its openposition, rear panel 91 will ride under rod portion 136, swinging therod momentarily to its dot-dash line position as seen in FIGURE 3. Afterrear panel 91 passes rod portion 136, the rod will again rock into itsunrestrained position shown in solid and dotted lines in FIGURE 3.

Upon return of drawer 85 to its closed position, rear panel 91 willengage rod portion 136 and swing the rod counterclockwise as seen inFIGURE 11, the rod being b released by the time drawer 35 reaches itsfully closed or latched position of FIGURE 3.

A return plate 133 is pivotally mounted between legs 35 and 36 of frame32 by means of tabs 139 formed on the frame and apertured portions 141in the upper corners of the rectangularly shaped plate. The returnplate, which is provided with appropriate strengthening flanges 142 andribs 143 as seen in FIGURE 11, is normally urged by its own weighttoward a retracted position against a stop 144 formed as an inwardlystruck tab on leg 36. The back of plate 137 is adapted to be engaged bythe rounded outer end 145 of rod portion 137 when the latter moves toits counterclockwise position, as seen in FIG- URE 11. During thismovement, plate 133 will swing clockwise and engage the lower ends ofextensions 76 on keys 68 and 69, sliding these keys to their outerpositions. No resistance will be offered to this movement since it isparallel to the alignment of guide apertures 77 and 83. As keys 68 and69 reach their outer positions, edges 73 of the keys will be retractedfrom curved ends 62 and 66 of indicators 59 and 64, respectively,permitting these indicators 'to drop, by their own weight, from theirdisplay position as shown in FIGURE 3 to their retracted position asshown in FIGURE 11.

Means are also provided for ringing bell 21 upon opening movement of thedrawer. This means includes striker 23 and arm 99, the arm beingengageable with the striker upon opening movement of drawer 85 to swingthe striker clockwise as seen in FIGURE 5. As arm 99 moves past thestriker, the latter will be released, permitting spring to pull thestriker counterclockwise so that it wil strike bell 21. Upon closing ofthe drawer, inclined edge 102 of arm 99 will ride over striker 23, pivot24 being sufiiciently loose to permit the striker to rock slightlycounterclockwise as seen in FIGURE 6, until arm 99 passes over thestriker. Arm 99 thus serves the dual function of engaging stop 17 tolimit outward movement of the drawer and operating the bell as thedrawer opens.

A housing generally indicated at 146 is provided for the typewriter,this housing being preferably formed of a decorative molded plasticmaterial. Housing 146 has the general ornamental configuration of aconventional cash register, including a generally vertical rear wall147, a convex front wall 143, side walls 149, a somewhat enlarged drawerreceiving portion 151 (see FIGURE 1) and an indicator window portion152. Base portion 151 has a front recess 153 for the reception of drawer85, and window portion 152 has an elongated aperture 154 for thereception of a window 155. An upper retaining groove 156 and a lowerretaining groove 157, as seen in FIGURE 3, may be molded into housing146 to receive window 155, the latter preferably being fabricated of atransparent and flexible material which may be snapped into place withinthe grooves, the window further having opaque partitions 158 imprintedthereon so as to form individual windows corresponding to indicators 59and 64. It will be noted from FIGURE 3 that the shape of housing 146 issuch as to permit indicators 49 to engage groove portion 157 when theindicators swing to their display positions, this engagement creating aclicking sound which will simulate the action of a standard cashregister when a key is depressed. A plurality of ribs 159 are formedwithin drawer compartment 151 of housing 146, as seen in FIGURE 5, thelower ends of these ribs carrying protrusions 161 such as that seen inFIGURE 3, which may extend through apertures 13 in base 12 and be spreadby heat and pressure to secure the housing to the base. A foot 162 ismolded around the lower edge of housing 146 so that the cash registermay rest thereon. Front wall 148 of the housing is provided with aplurality of apertures 163 for accommodating the various keys. In theupper position of the keys, flanges 71 thereof are adapted to engage thehousing portion surrounding apertures 163 to limit outward movement ofthe keys. A pair of closely 8 spaced lugs 164 are also providedimmediately below a front counter or table portion 165 of housing 146,these lugs being disposed on opposite sides of the forward end of bar163 to maintain the bar in a centered position.

In assembling the toy cash register of this invention, separatesub-assemblies may be fabricated, one of which will comprise indicatorframe 48 and indicators 59 and 64, together with keys 6S and 69. Anothersub-assembly would comprise base 12, main frame 32, and the partscarried thereby as seen in FIGURE 7, plus return plate 138. Thefirst-mentioned sub-assembly may then be secured to the main frame.Housing 146 may then be mounted in position, and drawer inserted.

According to the invention, a novel method of marking keys 63, 69 and119 is provided which eliminates the necessity of matching keys 68 and69 to their corresponding indicators 59 and 64. The method comprises theuse of a paper or other known flexible transfer type of imprinting sheetshown schematically at 166 in FIGURE 11 to mark the keys after they havebeen assembled. This sheet would carry the indicia in the desiredarrangement, the sheets being provided in quantity so that each sheetcould be used for a single toy cash register. Since the Open key 119 isdifferently shaped than the others, and could thus be individuallyassembled without chance of error, it may or may not be marked by thismarking sheet. The other keys 68 and 69, however, need only be producedand assembled with blank faces, the marking sheet being laid over thekeys after assembly and the indicia transferred thereto by heat or otherknown methods. It thus becomes necessary only to assemble indicators 59and 64 in their proper order in each toy cash register, but not keys 68and 69.

In operation of the toy cash register, assuming an initial position ofthe parts with the drawer closed and indicators 59 and 64 in theirretracted positions, as seen in FIGURE 11, any selected key or keys 68and 69 may be depressed. As each key is depressed, its correspondingindicator 59 or 64 will swing upwardly with a clicking sound into itsdisplay position, as seen in FIGURE 3. The indicators will be held intheir display position by edges 73 of the keys.

When it is desired to open drawer 85, key 119 will be depressed, causingrod 123 to rock clockwise as seen in FIGURE 3 and swing latch bar 103counterclockwise as seen in this figure. This will cause shoulder 108 ofthe latch bar to be withdrawn from rear wall 91 of the drawer, andspring 97 will impel the drawer outwardly. During this movement, edge101 of arm 99 will swing striker 23 clockwise as seen in FIGURE 5 andwill then release the striker, permitting spring 25 to return it so asto ring bell 21. Drawer 85 will come to rest when arm 99 engages stop17. During the opening movement of the drawer, rod 133 will swing idlyfrom its solid line to its dot-dash line position and then back again,as the drawer slides under it. Bar 103 will be disposed within drawerslots 109 and 111 during the opening movement, so as to maintain thedrawer in a centered position.

Return of drawer 85 will cause rear wall 91 of the drawer to engageportion 136 of rod 133, swinging the rod counterclockwise to theposition shown in FIGURE 11. End of rod 133 will engage the back ofreturn plate 138, swinging this plate clockwise, as seen in FIG- URE 11,so as to engage the outer ends of key extensions 76. The keys will thusslide outwardly to the position shown in FIGURE 11, permittingindicators 59 and 64 to drop to their retracted positions. As drawer 85reaches its fully closed position, shoulder 108 of bar 163 will drop infront of rear wall 91, as urged by spring 112, retaining the drawer inposition. At this point, the rear wall will have passed portion 136 ofrod 133, and the rod will swing back by its own weight to the solid lineposition of FIGURE 3. Return plate 138 will drop to its retractedposition against stop 144, but the keys will be held in their outerpositions by engagement of curved sections 62 and 66 of the indicatorswith shoulders 75 of the keys.

It will thus be seen that a novel and improved toy cash register hasbeen provided which is especially adapted for inexpensive massproduction, utilizes a minimum number of parts and is relatively easy toassemble. The toy simulates many functions of an actual cash register ina realistic manner and is extremely resistant to wear and damage duringoperation.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the inventiondisclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, itwill be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification,variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fairmeaning of the swbjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a toy cash register or the like, a housing, a drawer slidablymounted in the lower part of said housing, spring means urging saiddrawer to an open position, latch means for holding the drawer in aclosed position, a plurality of indicators mounted in the upper part ofsaid housing for movement between retracted and display positions, keysfor each of said indicators, means responsive to movement of each keyfrom a raised to a depressed position for moving its correspondingindicator to its display position and holding said indicator in suchposition, said drawer latch means being operative to hold said drawer inclosed position during and after depression of each key, means operableindependently of said keys (for releasing said drawer latch means, andmeans responsive to return movement of said drawer to its closedposition for returning said keys to their raised positions and saidindicators to their retracted positions.

2. In a toy cash register or the like, a housing, a drawer slidablymounted in the lower part of said housing, spring means urging saiddrawer to an open position, latch means for holding the drawer in aclosed position, a plurality of indicators mounted in the upper part ofsaid housing for movement between retracted and display positions, keysfor each of said indicators, means responsive to movement of each keyfrom a raised to a depressed position and retention in its depressedposition for moving its corresponding indicator to its display positionand holding said indicator in such position, means operableindependently of said keys for releasing said drawer latch means, areturn member separate from said drawer latch means and movable betweena retracted position and a return position, said return member whenmoved to its return position being engageable with all depressed keys toreturn said keys to their raised position and permitting thecorresponding indicators to return to their retracted position, and areturn member actuating element responsive only to movement of saiddrawer to its closed position for moving said return member to itsreturn position.

3. The combination according to claim 2, said keys being of elongatedshape and supported for tr-anslatory movement along a rectilinear pathbetween their retracted and display positions, said return membercomprising a swingably mounted plate engageable with corresponding endsof the keys.

4. In a toy cash register or the like, a plurality of indicators movablebetween retracted and display positions, at key for each of saidindicators, means slidably mounting said keys for translatory movementalong a rectilinear path between raised and depressed positions, meanson each key responsive to movement of the key to its depressed positionfor swinging the corresponding indicator to its display position,mutually engageable portions on said indicator and key when theindicator is in its display position and the key in its depressedposition for preventing movement of the indicator to its retractedposition, said last-mentioned portions being mutually engageable onlywhen the key is in its depressed position, and means cfor simultaneouslyreturning all depressed keys to their raised positions and separatingsaid mutually engaging portions, whereby said indicators may return totheir retracted positions.

5. In a toy cash register or the like, a plurality of indicatorscomprising indicia bearing tabs, an indicator frame comprising a pair ofspaced plates, means between said plates for pivotally supporting saidindicator tabs for movement between retracted and display positions, theweight of said tabs urging them toward their retracted positions, aplurality of keys corresponding to said indicator tabs, each of saidkeys having a button portion and a shouldered extension, aperturedportions in said frame plates slidably supporting said extensions, andcurved portions on said tabs engageable by the shouldered portions ofsaid keys when moved to their depressed positions for swinging theindicator tabs to their display positions, said curved indicator tabportions being engageable with the edges of their correspondingdepressed key extensions when in their display positions, whereby saidindicator tabs will be held against movement to their retractedpositions.

6. In a toy cash register or the like, a base, a frame having ahorizontal portion spaced above said base, a drawer slidably mounted onsaid base below said frame portion :between open and closed positions, alatch bar comprising an elongated flat plate pivoted below said frameportion said latch bar extending a substantial distance forwardly of therear end of said drawer when the drawer is in its open position, thedrawer having at least one guide slot within which said latch bar isdisposed throughout the range of movement of said drawer, a shoulder onsaid latch bar engageable with said drawer to hold the drawer in itsclosed position, means urging the drawer toward its open position, anupward extension on said plate, a clearance aperture in said frameportion for receiving said extension, a release shoulder on saidextension, and a release rod engageable with said release shoulder toswing the latch bar to its unlatching position.

7. In a toy cash register or the like, a base, a frame having ahorizontal portion spaced above said base, a drawer slidably mounted onsaid base below said frame portion between open and closed positions, alatch bar comprising an elongated flat plate pivoted below said frameportion, a shoulder and said latch bar engageable with said drawer tohold the drawer in its closed position, means urging the drawer towardits open position, an upward extension on said plate, a clearanceaperture in said frame portion for receiving said extension, a releaseshoulder on said extension, a horizontally disposed release rod mountedfor pivotal movement on its own axis, a release key for actuating saidrelease rod, a first hooked portion on said release rod engageable bysaid release key, a second hooked portion on said release rod engageablewith said release shoulder to swing the latch bar to its unlatchingposition, and a restraining portion pressed out from said frame portiontoward the end of said release rod adjacent said first hooked portion.

8. In a toy cash register or the like, a drawer slidable between openand closed positions, a plurality of indicators movable betweenretracted and display positions, a latch for holding said drawer in aclosed position, means separate from and movable independently of saidindicators for releasing said latch, and an indicator return rodseparate from said latch and responsive only to closing movement of saiddrawer for causing movement of said indicators toward their retractedpositions.

9. In a toy cash register or the like, a drawer slidable between openand closed positions, a plurality of indicators movable betweenretracted and display positions, a latch for holding said drawer in aclosed position, means separate from and movable independently of saidindicators for releasing said latch, an indicator return rod separatefrom said latch and movable between an inoperative position and a returnposition, said return rod having a first portion operatively engageableby said drawer only when moving toward its closed position for swingingsaid return rod toward its return position,

11 and a second portion on said return rod extending in a directionsubstantially opposite to said first portion and responsive to movementof the return rod to its return position for causing movement of saidindicators to their retracted positions.

10. In a toy cash register or the like, a housing, a drawer slidablymounted in the lower part of said housing, spring means urging saiddrawer to an open position, latch means for holding the drawer in aclosed position, a plurality of indicators mounted in the upper part ofsaid housing 'for movement between retracted and display positions, keysfor each of said indicators, means responsive to movement of each keyfrom a raised to a depressed position for moving its correspondingindicator to its display position and holding said indicator in suchposition, means operable independently of said keys for releasing saiddrawer latch means, a return member movable between a retracted positionand a return position, said return member when moved to its returnposition being engageable with any depressed keys to return said keys totheir raised position and permitting the corresponding indicators toreturn to their retracted position, and a return member actuatingelement responsive only to movement of said drawer to its closedposition for moving said return member to its return position, saidreturn member actuating element being pivotally mounted and having afirst portion in the path of movement of said drawer whereby saidelement will swing in one direction when the drawer opens and in theopposite direction when the drawer closes, and another portion on saidelement having a one-way connection with said return member.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS964,026 Jacobs July 12, 1910 1,141,547 Heyman June 1, 1915 1,198,825Chein Sept. 19, 1916 1,856,971 Sherman May 3, 1932 1,906,361 Berry May2, 1933 2,095,023 Bosselier Oct. 5, 1937 2,454,000 Midouhas Nov. 16,1948 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,069,517 Germany Nov. 19, 1959 198,399 GreatBritain June 1, 1923 617,803 Great Britain Feb. 11, 1949

